Homey's latest achievement of Matter 1.5 certification marks a significant advancement in smart home technology, not only embracing the newest device categories but also ingeniously integrating existing, older smart home devices. This development promises to simplify the smart home experience, allowing a wide array of devices, regardless of their native protocol, to communicate seamlessly within a unified ecosystem. It addresses a key challenge in smart home adoption: the compatibility gap between legacy devices and emerging standards.
Homey's Latest Certification Revolutionizes Smart Home Interoperability
In a groundbreaking move for smart home enthusiasts, Homey announced on July 29, 2026, its successful attainment of Matter 1.5 certification from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). This certification applies to Homey's Matter software component across its Homey Pro (2023–2026), Homey Pro Mini, and Homey Self-Hosted Server platforms. The immediate benefit is enhanced support for a broader spectrum of cutting-edge Matter 1.5 device types, including electric vehicle chargers, advanced heat pumps, solar panels, and major household appliances, ushering in a new era of integrated home automation.
However, the most impactful aspect of this certification lies in Homey's innovative Matter Bridge application. This feature allows users to seamlessly integrate their pre-existing smart home devices—connected via diverse protocols such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, and 433MHz, or even manufacturer-specific cloud integrations—into the Matter ecosystem. These older devices can now function as standard Matter accessories, becoming visible and controllable within popular smart home platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant. Rather than replacing the original integrations, Homey intelligently manages these devices while exposing their Matter-compatible functionalities to chosen smart home systems. Currently supported categories include lighting, smart plugs, thermostats, door locks, window coverings, and various sensors, though specific feature availability may differ across ecosystems. Athom CEO Stefan Witkamp emphasized the significance of this approach, stating, “Matter simplifies choosing smart home products across brands, but a truly smart home involves more than just Matter. Many users already possess devices that will never natively support Matter, and these should remain as functional as any new purchase.”
The update is now accessible for compatible Homey hardware. Both the Homey Pro and Homey Pro Mini come equipped with an integrated Thread Border Router, enabling direct connectivity with Matter-over-Thread devices. Users utilizing the Homey Self-Hosted Server can add Thread devices via the Homey mobile application, provided a Thread Border Router is already active on their local network. Homey's certification was officially issued on June 29, 2026, for firmware version 13.3.0, ensuring backward compatibility with devices based on previous Matter standard iterations.
Homey’s strategic approach, allowing older smart home products to coexist and interact with the latest Matter-compatible devices, makes the transition to a fully interconnected smart home ecosystem far less disruptive. This move not only extends the utility of existing smart home investments but also accelerates the widespread adoption of the Matter standard by fostering a more inclusive and interoperable environment.
The evolution of smart home technology, as exemplified by Homey's recent certification, underscores a critical shift towards inclusivity and user-centric design. By prioritizing the integration of existing devices alongside new ones, companies like Homey are not just advancing a technical standard; they are championing sustainability and accessibility in the smart home landscape. This forward-thinking approach provides a blueprint for a future where technological progress harmonizes with practical, everyday needs, empowering consumers to build smarter homes without constant upgrades or discarding perfectly functional older gadgets. It’s a testament to the idea that innovation should simplify, not complicate, our digital lives, paving the way for a truly unified and intelligent living environment.
